The Group of 77 (G77), consisting of 134 developing countries, concluded a two-day summit in Havana, Cuba, with a call for a new global order. Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel, who chairs the organization, emphasized that it’s time for the Global South to change the rules of the international system, which has long favored the interests of the North. Developing countries, he argued, are suffering from a range of global crises, including unfair trade practices and climate change.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also highlighted the challenges faced by developing nations, describing them as being “trapped in a tangle of global crises,” with climate change and foreign debt among the pressing issues.
Leaders from various Latin American countries, including Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia, and Argentina, attended the summit. International leaders such as Angola’s president, Mozambique’s president, and the Palestinian Authority leader were also present.
China, while not officially a G77 member, expressed support for the organization’s goals. A Chinese representative at the summit stressed China’s commitment to prioritizing South-South cooperation and working on reducing digital divides, aligning with the summit’s theme of science and innovation.
DECLARATION
The G77+China Summit, which concluded in Havana, Cuba, emphasized several key points in its final declaration. The summit included heads of state from Latin America, Africa, and Asia, as well as United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and representatives from over 100 countries.
The declaration called for:
- Reform of the International Economic System: The G77 stressed the urgent need for comprehensive reform of the international financial architecture. They advocated for a more inclusive and coordinated approach to global financial governance, including increased representation of developing countries in global decision-making and policy-making bodies. The goal is to enhance developing countries’ access to and development of science, technology, and innovation.
- Critique of “Digital Monopolies” and Unfair Practices: The declaration criticized “digital monopolies” and other unfair practices that hinder the technological development of developing countries. It highlighted the importance of addressing these issues to bridge the digital divide.
- Opposition to Sanctions and Coercive Actions: The G77 expressed its opposition to “sanctions” and “coercive economic actions” imposed on developing countries. Such actions were seen as undermining international principles and hindering economic and social development, especially in developing nations.
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel emphasized the significance of the summit, with leaders from two-thirds of UN member states and 80% of the world’s population participating. He called for coordinated efforts to change the international system and democratize international relations.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres acknowledged that countries in the Global South were facing various global crises, including poverty, hunger, rising prices, and climate disasters. He emphasized the need for both national and global action to address these challenges and update global institutions such as the UN Security Council, IMF, and World Bank.
The summit is considered important as it allows countries of the Global South to coordinate positions before the 78th UN General Assembly, where they can exert collective influence on global issues. Additionally, the summit demonstrated Cuba’s diplomatic capacity despite facing a long-standing US blockade.
Source: Peoples Dispatch
